Not just another towing thread: Cultural Relativism?
09-08-2011, 05:01 PM
#31
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An option for US guys looking for a minimalist trailer is a 4 place snowmobile trailer. They're typically rated to 5000lbs and would have no trouble with a light weight car. One of my friends has an E30 M3 down to about 2200lbs and uses one. He has a Sprinter camper to tow with and can only pull 5000lbs. Combined weight is roughly 3000lbs.
09-09-2011, 10:13 AM
#32
Speaking of Euro trailing. I wonder if anyone trails with a smaller engine than me and my friend.
We used to tow a 5500 lbs trailer (tot weight, cup car + gear) with either a cayenne V6 or a benz S600 (in style
). We both got fed up of having to be so careful not to damage our cars (so easy to scratch the leather or paint).
So now we pull the trailer with a Renault van (lol) with a 2liter engine (not even diesel !) We weighted down the trailer by putting all the gear in the van so it is legit. Believe it or now it works and the van is a total basher, we don't need to be to carefull and if it fails so be it, no big loss ! We do live in a country with very short up and downhills. I would not use that combo in the Alps.
I do miss the Benz seat massage after a long day at the track though
We used to tow a 5500 lbs trailer (tot weight, cup car + gear) with either a cayenne V6 or a benz S600 (in style
). We both got fed up of having to be so careful not to damage our cars (so easy to scratch the leather or paint). So now we pull the trailer with a Renault van (lol) with a 2liter engine (not even diesel !) We weighted down the trailer by putting all the gear in the van so it is legit. Believe it or now it works and the van is a total basher, we don't need to be to carefull and if it fails so be it, no big loss ! We do live in a country with very short up and downhills. I would not use that combo in the Alps.
I do miss the Benz seat massage after a long day at the track though
09-09-2011, 05:55 PM
#33
I've got cars, 3-4 sets of extra wheels, 2 nitrogen tanks, a welder, spare axles, transmissions, misc. spares, enough fluids to drain and fill two cars, fuel cans, work bench, ez-ups, chairs, lights, generator, professional size tool box(1200lbs)
not a weekend goes by that I (or someone in need) don't use everything but the axles and trans.
Closest race track is an hour away, furthest on the calendar this year is 8 hours away and plenty of mountain passes between every one of them.
Do those guys really run an entire race weekend with one set of tires on a cup car? Especially if they are doing endurance races?
09-10-2011, 03:27 PM
#34
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...I know alot of people love the trailex and suv but where do you put tools and spares? I am just wondering because i am looking at some trailers for my 997 and looking to see the smallest i could go (been there done that with go bigger and bigger and bigger when i drag raced). The open trailer looks so much easier but just wondering about the other crap you need (tents, chairs, tools, coolers, etc..)
. And clearly, I think "race" vs Time Trial or DE makes a big diff since "race group" typcially means more serious about time and performance; TT and DE is typically more relaxed (yeah, one set of tires is good 'nuff for me ).FWIW, I've been several years now with my open trailex and SUV (first was a Volvo XC90 which was fine, but now a 'Burb which is clearly nicer), and basic tools/jack, cooler for drinks plus camping chairs fit easily. Clearly, I choose not to bring the kitchen sink and we utilize local motels/resaurants. Everything is a tradeoff. But for us, doing it this way has saved us from spending more money on "bigger" or "more" everything.
Edward
09-11-2011, 12:13 PM
#35
Rennlist Member
Anyone mention all of our stuff here is relatively cheap? I'm back to using my F350 as a fourth vending delivery truck for my fill-in work (had to repo the business), so it's there and paid for. Typically I've got 750-1K lb. payload in the back, so what else am I going to use? Cayenne or wannabe truck won't cut it.
What's a middle-of-the-road enclosed cost now? Friend just bought a Cargomate for ~$8K.
"Over there" I'd say it's mostly about that you don't need a truck for your work, and if you're in a city you don't have commercial space at your business available to park a trailer or two.
(Funny thing about me now is that I use the open trailer almost exclusively because of fuel costs. Having a garage at Thunderhill means the tools are there, and I only bring up a second car if I have a need for it that event.)
What's a middle-of-the-road enclosed cost now? Friend just bought a Cargomate for ~$8K.
"Over there" I'd say it's mostly about that you don't need a truck for your work, and if you're in a city you don't have commercial space at your business available to park a trailer or two.
(Funny thing about me now is that I use the open trailer almost exclusively because of fuel costs. Having a garage at Thunderhill means the tools are there, and I only bring up a second car if I have a need for it that event.)
09-13-2011, 01:41 PM
#36
Rennlist Member
I like to be totally self-sufficient on a race weekend, I bring everything I might need.
I remember by buddy once telling me; "you can never have too much trailer".
Said the same of my garage, too.
I remember by buddy once telling me; "you can never have too much trailer".
Said the same of my garage, too.
09-19-2011, 05:13 PM
#37
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
and then we have these guys...
Funny study in contrasts this weekend at Lime Rock. F2000 and F1600 were 'support' races for NASCARS Whelan Modifieds tour. While all the sports car guys set up ezups and sprawl all over the two paddocks, the NASCAR guys roll in on cue the morning of their event, park in tightly regimented rows, and work in a compact space out of the back of their rigs. Wow what a different culture. The F2K and F16 were running 50/53s, these modifieds ran 55s but _with both chicanes_! Thats Horsepower.
